Apraclonidine hydrochloride 1% eye drops, single 0.1 milliliter unit dose

Apraclonidine (Iopidine) is an alpha-2 adrenergic agonist ophthalmic solution used primarily to control or prevent postsurgical intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations. This code represents a single 0.1 mL unit of the 1% concentration, which is the higher-strength formulation typically reserved for perioperative use rather than chronic glaucoma management. The 0.5% formulation used for short-term adjunctive glaucoma therapy is reported separately.

This code applies when apraclonidine 1% is administered in a clinical or surgical setting, most commonly before and/or after anterior segment laser procedures such as ALT, SLT, or Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy to blunt acute IOP spikes. Documentation should reflect the drug name, concentration (1%), volume administered, and the clinical indication (e.g., prophylaxis of post-laser IOP elevation). It is typically billed by the administering facility or provider, not dispensed for home use.

• Concentration matters: Do not confuse with the 0.5% apraclonidine formulation; the 1% concentration is distinct and coded separately — verify the concentration explicitly in the medication administration record before coding.
• Unit billing: The descriptor specifies 0.1 mL as the billing unit; if documentation supports a larger volume administered, bill the appropriate number of units rather than defaulting to one unit.
• Payer coverage: Many payers bundle this drug into the reimbursement for the associated laser procedure (e.g., laser trabeculoplasty); verify payer-specific bundling policies before billing separately to avoid claim denial.